Here’s what we’ve been up to since… 

A variety of growth methods and crops were experimented with on a small scale, while at the same time an extensive contact network was built up to support the scaling up of the project. This network included agricultural, nutrition and crop experts, as well as a training agreement with the University of Stellenbosch’s Water Institute. During April 2020, this project was officially launched on the Park site.

The facility has two purposes:

• To serve as a permanent exhibition space for different methods of hydroponics and aquaponics and;
• To serve as a working hydroponic farm where training can take place at different levels.

The facility has been open for viewing and training since September 2020, and visitors are welcome to pop in to see what we’ve done.

At the same time, expansion is ongoing, and will continue for some to come.

The development to date – and what’s to come:

The current area under tunnel cover is about 550 m², with an expansion planned over the coming year to add a further 500 m².

There are currently nine different planting techniques used (eight hydroponic and one aquaponic system), with about 4500 plants in different growth stages. Crops include leafy vegetables, tomatoes and a variety of herbs, and harvests are sold locally.

Training has been given to a number of interested people, including a team from Cape Agulhas Municipality’s Local Economic Development department. A continuous introductory and training programme kicked off on 1 October, with informal and formal courses on offer.

Practical DIY Aquaponics
Training Workshop

• Build your own Aquaponics System to take home!
• Introduction to Aquaponics
• Fish Species Selection
• Plant Varieties
• System Design
• Pest Control
• Water Quality Management
• Production Management
• Marketing & Value Adding
• Financial Management

Date: We’ll let you know when the next workshop is set to take place | Place: Bredasdorp Park

Cost: R5000/person

For more info, click here.